2017 NPSL GOLDEN BOOT AWARD

NPSL Name 2017 Golden Boot Winners

Alessandro Canale and Amani Walker have been named 2017 NPSL Golden Boot winners after the two forwards tallied 18 goals on the season. Canale is a member of Orange County FC, while Walker suited up for Albion SC PROS during their stellar season in the NPSL.

Both players finished with 18 goals on the season, while Dakota Fusion FC forward Jade Johnson finished in second place with 17.

Canale spent time at both Santa Monica College and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Canale recorded 24 goals and eight assists for the Corsairs to earn Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2012.

“It’s an amazing feeling to win this award,” said Canale. “It’s a great accomplishment to win this award for myself, for the team and for the entire OCFC organization. Congratulations to Amani Walker on his well-played season and tremendous scoring ability. I would like to thank my teammates and all the work they have put in this season, the entire OCFC staff, and the fans that came out to support us doing what we love to do. Also, a special thank you to my family who has always supported and encouraged me to follow my heart. I’m not done yet.”

The Santa Monica, California, native was named NSCAA All-West Region Third Team and All-CCAA Honorable Mention after contributing five goals and three assists in 2013, helping UCSD into the third round of playoffs. He was a team co-captain for the Tritons in 2014, contributing two goals and five assists before suffering a season-ending injury.

“Alessandro Canale is a true joy for sport fans to see play soccer,” said Orange County head coach Paul Caligiuri. “His first touch on the ball alone is jaw-dropping, which has stunned and amazed even our Orange County Football Club opponents. The Orange County FC family are all very happy for him to be entering into an elite class of soccer players through recognition of receiving the NPSL 2017 Golden Boot alongside Armani Walker.”

Canale has also become a regular with the U.S. Beach Soccer National Team, appearing in all three group games of the 2013 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Tahiti. In the summer of 2014, he also played for the U.S. in a tournament in Portugal and an exhibition match versus Brazil. In addition, he gained experience with the NPSL’s San Diego Flash.

Walker lettered all four years at Francis Parker High School, winning C.I.F. Division IV Player of the Year in 2007. After graduating from high school in 2007, the Linda Vista, CA, native joined the University of California Irvine (UCI), where he majored in international studies. During his senior season at UCI, Walker led the team with 11 goals. Walker is the all-time leader in matches played at UCI with 85 as he finished his college career with 29 goals and 11 assists.

“I’m honored, happy, and humbled to receive this award,” said Walker. “Coach Ziggy and I had a conversation early on in the season about it and he convinced me it was possible; it was then all about making it happen on the field. I want to thank him, the coaching staff, the entire Albion club and organization, and most of all, my teammates, who were such an integral part of accomplishing this goal.”

In 2011, the Chicago Fire drafted Walker, but he ultimately signed with the Minnesota Stars. He won an NASL championship with the Stars in 2011. After leaving Minnesota, Walker spent time with the Tampa Bay Rowdies and OC Blues before joining the PROS in February 2017.

“Amani had a terrific season for the PROS,” said Albion SC PROS head coach Ziggy Korytoski. “He was someone we could rely on up-top and was obviously extremely productive for us in scoring and creating goals. His preparation and attitude is always first-class and he deserves every bit of the success he has achieved. I believe you’re going to see him scoring goals at a very high level as his career continues in the coming years.”

Photo Credit: Vince Reyes, Keith and Michelle Dereld

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Chris Rael is a reporter for GoalNation and covers youth and adult soccer.
A multimedia artist whose hobbies include camping, traveling and playing football as much as possible. Chris is based in Rotterdam, Netherlands.